Word Origin & History

round robin "petition or complaint signed in a circle to disguise the order in which names were affixed and prevent ringleaders from being identified," 1730, originally in ref. to sailors and frequently identified as a nautical term. As a kind of tournament in which each player plays the others, it is recorded from 1895.

Example Sentences for round robin

What do you say to our all signing a round robin, and sending it into the King?

She suggested a round robin and would not be at all ashamed to put her own name to it.

Here is a round robin, addressed to the best of fellows, a member of the 'varsity shooting team and golf team.

The round robin sent to Dr. Johnson on the subject of his epitaph on Goldsmith is well known.

"If Haas puts it off another day I'm going to start a round robin, whatever that is," said Truxton.

He happens to spy the round robin looking over his nest, and—yes—winking at him.

The men signed a round robin, wherein they declared that they would not fire a gun till they were paid.

Men all in a panic of fear; sent a round robin, asking to have double watch, as they fear to be alone.

Im so sorry I signed that round robin, or said anything against her being on the team.

The round robin went to Mrs.Case and, after an interview with the principal, Mrs.Case went again to call on Hester at her home.